Customer Reviews

Computer Architecture and Organization

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

This text is suitable for introducing engineering undergrads to the topic of computer architecture. It treats the various topics in depth, especially as far as the implementation is concerned - an area which is frequently lacking in several CS textbooks on the topic. This book does, however, assume a good knowledge of digital logic design; also, certain topics (such as the algorithms for performing arithmetic) are explained in a clearer way in other textbooks. A major strongpoint in this text is the Control Unit design, including pipelined systems. I recommend this text to anyone who wants a clear picture of architecture from an implementation standpoint rather than a merely organizational one.

I used this book in a second year undergraduate class for Comp Arch. Absolutely horrible. Torture in print. It might be better suited for graduate students, even though the publisher suggests it can be used with undergrads. While it is packed with technical details, it doesn't work as a class text. I can't imagine a worse book to use for an undergrad class.

Having taking a computer architecture course at both undergraduate and graduate levels, in my opinion, "Computer Architecture : A Quantitative Approach" by John Hennessy is a much better choice than this text by John Hayes.

I have a BS in math and I found this book to be better than Hennessy/Patterson. I see that some of the reviewers don't have a very positive opinion of this book. I think they are wrong and their professors were right! Hayes book is subtle and will widen your perspective enormously. It's well written for someone who enjoys reading classics and doesn't like reading technical manuals that are here today, gone tomorrow.

Though this book is indimidating on the first instance, It might be an ideal book if it is read more for knowledge than Grades.
It presents an extensive views on different architecture and even starts from explaining the TURING machine in the first chapter and ending with the Network architecture in the last chapter.
It has extensive views on how different digital circuits can be created using gates and most of the book covers this aspect of digital circuit design.
Such an extensive book should be considered for a 2 semester course rather than a one semester.

its a good book to learn the basics for the computer architecture and some intermediate topics also

I have worked in, on, and around computers for over 33 years. At the not-so-ripe-old age of 51, I have decided to return to college and complete my Comupter Science degree. This book is the text book for the Computer Architecture course.

This book is written like a thesis. There is very little explanation or education going on. It is as if the author is trying to convince the reader that he knows what he's talking about (which, no doubt, he does). The book is a poor choice for a college textbook. I know it's been a long time since I sat in an actual college class, but it seems to me that a textbook should make some attempt to enlighten instead of frighten.

I am using this book for an undergraduate class. Big mistake! The book lives more questions than provide answers.